In This Guide
Renting a car in Italy opens up a world of possibilities—winding Chianti roads through vineyards, coastal drives along the Amalfi, and the freedom to discover hidden villages at your own pace. But Italian driving has its quirks, and understanding them beforehand can save you hundreds of euros in fines and headaches.
This guide covers everything we've learned from years of helping guests navigate Italian roads, from choosing the right rental company to avoiding the dreaded ZTL camera tickets.
Should You Rent a Car in Italy?
The answer depends on your itinerary. Here's our honest assessment:
Rent a Car If...
- You're staying in the Tuscan or Umbrian countryside
- You want to explore Lake Como's villages
- You're visiting multiple small towns in one day
- You're staying at a villa outside city centers
- You value flexibility and spontaneous detours
Skip the Car If...
- You're only visiting Florence, Rome, or Venice
- You're uncomfortable with manual transmission
- You're staying in historic city centers
- Your main destinations are connected by train
- You prefer not to worry about parking and ZTL zones
Our recommendation for Tuscany villa guests: Pick up your car at the Florence airport or train station after spending a day or two exploring the city on foot, then drive to your villa. Return the car on your last day before heading to your next major city.
Where to Rent: Best Comparison Sites
Rental prices vary dramatically depending on where you book. Our top recommendation is to use comparison sites that aggregate prices from multiple companies and include full insurance coverage.
DiscoverCars.com
Our top pick for Italian rentals. They compare prices from all major companies and include full coverage insurance in most quotes—no surprises at the counter.
Popular Pickup Locations
| Location | Best For | Typical Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Florence Airport (FLR) | Tuscany, Chianti, Siena | €180-350 |
| Milan Malpensa (MXP) | Lake Como, Northern Italy | €200-400 |
| Rome Fiumicino (FCO) | Southern Tuscany, Maremma | €170-320 |
| Pisa Airport (PSA) | Western Tuscany, coast | €160-300 |
| Florence Train Station | After city exploration | €200-380 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Book early: Prices can double in peak season if you wait
- Pick up/drop off at airports: Usually cheaper than city center locations
- Avoid one-way fees: Return to the same location if possible
- Smaller is better: Compact cars are easier to park and use less fuel
- Manual transmission: Automatics cost 30-50% more in Europe
Documents & Requirements
What You Need to Rent
- Valid driver's license from your home country
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – Required if your license isn't from an EU country
- Credit card in the driver's name (for the security deposit)
- Passport for identification
- Minimum age: Usually 21-25 depending on car class (young driver fees apply under 25)
Important: International Driving Permit
- Required for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most non-EU drivers
- Get it from AAA (US) or your local automobile association before your trip
- Costs about $20 and is valid for one year
- You MUST carry both your original license AND the IDP
- Police can fine you €80+ if you don't have it
ZTL Zones: Avoiding Costly Fines
ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) zones are restricted traffic areas in Italian city centers. Cameras automatically photograph license plates, and fines are mailed to your rental company—who then charge your credit card €80-150 per violation, plus admin fees.
This is the #1 cause of unexpected charges for tourists driving in Italy. Here's how to avoid them:
ZTL Basics
- Active hours: Usually 7am-8pm on weekdays, but varies by city
- Signs: White circles with a red border and "ZTL" text
- Camera enforcement: No barriers—just cameras that photograph every plate
- Fines arrive months later: Often 60-90 days after your trip
Cities with Strict ZTL Enforcement
| City | ZTL Hours | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Florence | 7:30am-8pm (summer until 11pm) | Park at Fortezza or train station garages |
| Siena | 24/7 in some areas | Use free parking at Stadio Comunale |
| San Gimignano | 24/7 in center | Park in P1 or P2 lots outside walls |
| Lucca | 7am-8pm | Free parking outside city walls |
| Pisa | Varies by zone | Use Via Pietrasantina parking |
Staying at a Hotel in a ZTL Zone?
- Contact your hotel BEFORE arrival with your license plate number
- They can register your plate for temporary access (usually 30-60 minutes)
- Drive directly to the hotel—no sightseeing detours
- Park in their garage immediately and don't move the car
- Ask the hotel to confirm your plate was registered successfully
Insurance: What You Really Need
Insurance is where rental companies make their money—and where unprepared travelers lose theirs. Here's what you need to know:
Types of Coverage
- CDW/LDW (Collision Damage Waiver): Covers damage to the rental car. Always included in the base price, but often with a high excess (€1,000-2,500)
- Theft Protection (TP): Covers theft of the vehicle. Usually included but also with high excess
- Super CDW / Full Coverage: Reduces or eliminates the excess. Highly recommended.
- Third Party Liability: Covers damage you cause to others. Required by law and always included
- Personal Accident Insurance: Covers injury to you and passengers. Often covered by travel insurance
Credit Card Coverage Warning
- Many credit cards offer rental car coverage, but it's often secondary coverage
- You'll need to pay the full excess upfront and claim it back later
- Cards often don't cover theft, tire damage, glass, or roof damage
- Some exclude Italy entirely—check your specific card benefits
- Rental companies may still require a €1,000+ hold on your card
Our Recommendation
Book through a comparison site that includes full coverage (zero excess) in the price. DiscoverCars includes this in most quotes, meaning:
- No large deposit hold on your credit card
- No stressful upselling at the counter
- No worrying about minor scratches in parking lots
- Peace of mind on narrow Italian roads
Compare Car Rental Prices
Find the best deals with full coverage included from all major companies
Search Available CarsItalian Driving Tips
Essential Rules
- Drive on the right, pass on the left
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90-110 km/h on main roads, 130 km/h on autostrada
- Headlights: Must be on at all times outside built-up areas
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (0% for new drivers)
- Phone use: Hands-free only—fines are severe
- Safety equipment: Warning triangle and reflective vest required (usually in the trunk)
Driving Culture
- Tailgating is normal: Don't take it personally—just let faster cars pass
- Use your horn: A quick beep warns of your presence on blind curves
- Sunday drivers: Expect slower traffic on Sunday afternoons (family outings)
- Roundabouts: Traffic already in the roundabout has priority
- Aggressive passing: Italians pass where you might not—stay calm and predictable
Driving in Tuscan Hill Towns
- Roads are narrower than you expect—rent a compact car
- Use your side mirrors constantly—they may need to fold in
- Honk before blind corners to warn oncoming traffic
- Pull over to let larger vehicles pass when possible
- Take your time—the views are worth slowing down for
Toll Roads (Autostrada)
Italy's autostrada highways are well-maintained and efficient, but they're not free. Here's how they work:
How to Pay Tolls
- Cash: Keep euros handy for toll booths (white lanes)
- Credit card: Use blue "Viacard" lanes (Visa/Mastercard accepted)
- Telepass: Yellow lanes for electronic tags (ask if your rental has one)
- Avoid: Don't enter Telepass lanes without a transponder—you'll be stuck!
Sample Toll Costs
| Route | Distance | Toll (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Florence → Rome | 275 km | €20-25 |
| Milan → Florence | 300 km | €22-28 |
| Florence → Bologna | 105 km | €8-10 |
| Florence → Siena | 75 km (free road) | €0 |
Parking in Italy
Parking Line Colors
- White lines: Free parking (may have time limits)
- Blue lines: Paid parking (look for meters or pay-and-display)
- Yellow lines: Residents only or reserved—never park here
- Pink lines: Reserved for pregnant women (yes, really!)
Parking Tips
- Download the EasyPark or Telepass Pay app to pay for street parking
- Look for Parcheggio signs directing to public garages
- Many hill towns have free parking lots just outside the walls
- Never leave valuables visible—break-ins happen, especially at tourist sites
- Check if your villa/hotel has private parking—it's a major convenience
Alternatives to Driving
Don't want to drive? Italy has excellent alternatives:
Trains (Trenitalia & Italo)
- High-speed trains connect major cities (Florence-Rome in 90 minutes)
- Book on Trainline.com for best prices
- Regional trains are affordable for shorter trips
- Not ideal for countryside destinations or small villages
Private Drivers & Transfers
- Perfect for airport transfers with luggage
- Half-day wine tours from €200-300 (up to 4 passengers)
- No ZTL or parking worries
- Book through your villa concierge or Viator
Local Buses
- SITA buses connect Tuscan towns (Florence-Siena, etc.)
- Very affordable but slower than driving
- Good for single destinations, not multi-stop itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Italy?
Yes, if your license is not from an EU country. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their regular license. Get one from AAA before your trip—it costs about $20 and is valid for one year.
What are ZTL zones and how do I avoid fines?
ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) zones are restricted traffic areas in Italian city centers. Cameras automatically photograph license plates, and fines of €80-100+ are mailed months later. Avoid ZTL zones by parking outside city centers and walking or taking public transport in. Most hotels in historic centers can register your plate for temporary access.
Should I get the full insurance coverage?
Yes, we strongly recommend full coverage with zero excess. Italian roads can be challenging, parking is tight, and minor damage claims can be expensive. Either book through a comparison site that includes full coverage, or purchase the rental company's full protection package.
Can I drive an automatic in Italy?
Yes, but automatic cars cost 30-50% more than manual transmission vehicles and may not be available in all locations. Book well in advance if you specifically need an automatic, especially in peak season.
What side of the road do Italians drive on?
Italians drive on the right side of the road, same as the US and most of continental Europe. If you're from the UK, Australia, or Japan, this will require some adjustment.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue providing free travel guides and recommendations. We only recommend services we trust and use ourselves.
Continue Planning Your Italian Adventure
Best Tours in Tuscany →
Travel Insurance for Italy →
Browse Our Luxury Villa Collection →